Ten fun facts about Hanoi

Fact 1In 2010 marked the 1,000 years since the establishment of the city, but the city has been inhabited since at least 3000 B.C.

Fact 2The city was originally renamed 'Thang Long' in 1010 by the first ruler of the Ly Dynasty. It translated out to 'soaring dragon', because he claimed to have seen a dragon over the Red River.

Fact 3Houses and buildings in the city are very tall but extremely narrow, because the property tax is based on the width of the front of the building.

Fact 4The world famous 'Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre' is in Hanoi, which dates back to the 11th century. It's a tradition stemming from rice paddy fields flooding and people standing in the water with puppets performing.

Fact 5The Long Bien Bridge, which connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien of Hanoi, was designed by the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower. There are also families of homeless who live under the bridge, since its surrounding area is one of the poorest areas of Hanoi.

Fact 6Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton' by an American POW, was the prison U.S. Senator John McCain was held at from 1967 to 1973. The prison was known for its torture methods during the Vietnam War and McCain claimed he was a victim of torture as well.